(SPRINGFIELD) Lawmakers return to the state capitol today to continue the spring session with the top issue at hand being the proposed state budget. Governor Pritzker’s spending plan is at $52.6 billion in state funds, which includes nearly $1 billion in tax increases, ranging from caps on business losses, to increased sports betting fees, and even capping the discount retailers get for collecting sales taxes. Lawmakers have until May 31st to pass a state budget with simple majorities with the budget scheduled to take effect on July 1st.
(SPRINGFIELD) Data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows that Illinois experienced an increase in internet crimes last year. The FBI reports the number of victim complaints rose 6% from 2022 to last year with an increase in the amount of money lost by 20%. Nearly $336 million was lost to internet crimes in 2023. The top three internet scams last year were investment fraud, business phishing attacks, and tech support scams.
(CHICAGO) The U.S. Secret Service is preparing for public safety challenges ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this summer. DNC events will be held at the United Center and McCormick Place from August 19th through the 22nd. Secret Service officials say preparations have been going on for quite some time, working with city, state, county, and federal partners to devise a DNC security plan that ensures the safety of all. It’s the 12th time that Chicago will host the event, but the Windy City’s first time since 1996.
(SPRINGFIELD) The most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history is scheduled to perform this summer at the Illinois State Fair. It’s Miranda Lambert now slated to play the grandstand on Saturday night, August 17th with tickets for her concert to go on sale this coming Saturday morning at 10:00 online at TicketMaster.com. The Illinois State Fair in Springfield will run August 8th thru the 18th. For more, logon at statefair.illinois.gov.